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MILWAUKEE — Wisconsin firearm businesses are working together to prevent suicides by use of a gun.
The program is called Live Today – Put It Away. Wisconsin firearm businesses and some law enforcement organizations have pledged to provide safe storage for guns when people are in crisis.
It’s supported by the Medical College of Wisconsin and the Southeastern Wisconsin Veteran Suicide Prevention Task Force.
Mark Flower is an Army veteran and peer outreach specialist at the Medical College of Wisconsin. He encourages Wisconsin businesses to be part of the program.
“It provides the opportunity for folks to take some of the most lethal means out of their house when they are going through a thing,” Flower said. “And when the thing is fixed, they can come back and get their firearms and then they can get on with their life.”
The number of people who die by suicide in the U.S. and in Wisconsin has increased over the past 20 years. It is still on the rise, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
A large proportion of these suicides are by use of a firearm, primarily with veterans, according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
“Veterans, not nearly as many in the civilian world, but 70% of us that die by suicide use a firearm, which is probably the most permanent aspect of a suicide attempt,” said Flower.
Mark Rebholz is the co-owner of Bear Arms in Mequon, Wis. and a member of the Live Today – Put it Away program.
Bear Arms is a pro shop and shooting range that also offers firearms training. Rebholz said he’s dedicated to gun safety and proud to be part of the program.
“It’s kind of a cooling-off period, and hopefully they can get the help that they need to get over the feelings of suicide,” said Rebholz.
He said it’s a confidential way to keep weapons secure during a time when one may struggle with suicidal thoughts.
“I think it helps them, it is the start to the road to recovery, and we encourage them to go find help, which they do, and when they do come back, it’s a whole different person that we see,” Rebholz said.
Flower said people should never feel ashamed to temporarily give up their guns. He said he wants them to feel empowered to get their lives back on track.
“To me it’s about an option, it’s about voluntary,” he said. “It’s about keeping our veterans alive and actually keeping people alive.”